PRECURSOR Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'precursor' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precursor are forerunner , harbinger , and herald . While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another. // 18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Q: In what contexts can 'forerunner' take the place of 'precursor'?

The words forerunner and precursor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage. // the blockade was the forerunner of war

Q: How are the words 'harbinger' and 'herald' related as synonyms of 'precursor'?

Harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event. // their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season // the herald of a new age in medicine

precursor

noun

pri-ˈkər-sər

Definition of precursor next

as in forerunner

one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another 18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in ancestor

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed a precursor of the modern eggplant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precursor distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precursor are forerunner, harbinger, and herald. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

In what contexts can forerunner take the place of precursor?

The words forerunner and precursor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

How are the words harbinger and herald related as synonyms of precursor?

Harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season

the herald of a new age in medicine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of precursor In recent weeks, Mexican authorities have announced several major seizures of chemical precursors and fentanyl. —

Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025 Two of the awards season’s most crucial precursors will arrive this weekend with the Directors and Producers Guild awards. —

Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025 The visit was a precursor to what would turn out to be a blossoming U.S.-Saudi relationship over the next four years. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 This track is a precursor to a series of new releases planned for early 2025, signaling a year of growth and exploration for Sanders. —

Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for precursor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precursor

Noun

While Cal State Fullerton isn’t the first campus to launch a Project Rebound program, the university has been among the forerunners in its expansion, becoming a model for Project Rebound programs at the other universities in the CSU system.

— Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Each night, Americans were reminded of the crisis on TV, as ABC created nightly reports called America Held Hostage with Ted Koppel, the forerunner to Nightline.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024